Understanding factors associated with antenatal care usage in Zambia

Objective: To identify factors encouraging uptake of antenatal care (ANC). Methods: Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. The study was conducted with 48 Zambian postpartum women who were over 18 years old, had given birth to a live-born infant, had begun ANC visits in the first trimester and/or had received four or more ANC visits during their most recent pregnancy. Findings: The results from this study suggest that a pregnant woman's decision to use ANC services is influenced by her perception of benefits of and services provided during these visits, as well as family, peer group, and community support. Conclusions: The women interviewed sought ANC early and/ or received the recommended number of visits during their pregnancy. A number of factors were found to positively contribute to this behaviour. As ANC is beneficial for the woman and her unborn baby, an approach should be used that reinforces these positive influences so that more women access ANC.